I get the same request over and over again: “I need a website, but I have no money to build or maintain it, and I don’t know HTML.”
I, for one, would like to celebrate my recent Olympic victory by eloping with Jared Leto to a Tuscan villa. Luckily, your dream is slightly more realistic. Here’s what you do:
- $0: Content. Write some copy.
- $0: Web design. Get thee to Open Web Design. Browse and download a sleek, modern-looking HTML template. For something more businesslike and less minimalistic, try TemplatesBox. You can find a free design you like (I did) without wasting your small budget on a failure-prone novice.
- $0: Stock photos (optional). If you opted for a minimalistic layout, go to stock.xchng and pick up some free pics. Warning: you may have to post a credit on your site for some of the better photos.
- $300: Rented script kiddie. The Computer Gigs section of Craigslist never fails. You don’t need an experienced developer. You just need a college kid who knows some HTML and a tad of Photoshop (if you opted for the stock photos) and who can cram your copy into the template. You should be paying $20-$25 an hour for this. Assuming your site is under 15 pages, a bill topping $300 means the brat ripped you off. Unless he also happens to give good Shiatsu massages.
- $0: Domain name research. Go to user-friendly MyDomain to search, but don’t buy yet. You’ll probably get a domain name bundled with your hosting. Tip: Domain-snatching BigBrother.com is watching for repeat domain queries, so if you find a snazzy name, catch it quick or someone else will.
- $7/mo: Hosting. I recommend Lunarpages, which has provided me with excellent service for years. A free domain name is included.
- $100: Macromedia Contribute. Get a free trial here. Have your assistant upload your site and then set this up for you. Editing the content on your site, as well as creating new pages from existing ones, will be as easy as word processing.
Note: if you just want a blog, go to wordpress.com and get a free one. If you want to post ads or other frills, get a cheap package at typepad.com.
3 Comments
While her dreams may be a little screwy, her tech savvy and humor are clearly on the mark. Well, at least her tech savvy.
I’ve yet to come across instructions as easy to follow and as competently written..
For now i’ll simply steal your free expert advice… but if I ever have more than $500, I look forward to a large bill, a Shiatsu massage, and an exceptionally made website
Thanks for taking the time to put up such a thorough post!!
I couldn’t understand some parts of this article No HTML, No Cash, No Problem: Build and Maintain a Site for Under $500, but I guess I just need to check some more resources regarding this, because it sounds interesting.
Hi, my name is disman-kl, i like your site and i ll be back